Sue's Story

What is it Like to be Disabled?

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People who can walk, talk, and wait on themselves don't know just how lucky and fortunate they are. Of course, everybody in the world has problems. But when I hear somebody complain because maybe they don't like the way their hands look or their feet, or whatever, all I can say is, "well, at least they work."

Due to the umbilical cord wrapped around my neck at birth and the lack of oxygen going to my brain I was left with Cerebral Palsy and spasticity. I cannot wait on myself at all. I only have the use of my left hand, but not enough to feed myself or get a drink of whatever I want. Instead somebody has to get whatever I want and feed it to me. I use an electric wheelchair, which I can drive with my left hand. I can only use my left index finger to type.

While others drive a car and go wherever they want, I have to wait for somebody to take me wherever I want to go. And when other family members complain about being tied down because they can't do what they want, it makes the disabled person feel guilty that they were even born. Instead of making the best of things and working together as a family, some families grow apart. After all, WE didn't choose to be born disabled. At least this is how I feel.

I also have a speech problem, but it's not so bad that a person can understand me if they only take the time to listen. I don't feel very comfortable around very many people. I can feel right away if the person is comfortable or uncomfortable with me. If they feel uncomfortable or shy away from me, it makes me nervous and then I cannot even talk right. Sometimes when I'm talking to somebody I really enjoy, and somebody else keeps interrupting our conversation, I


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